Warning over bogus callers

POLICE are asking elderly people in Wigan to be on the look-out after two men targeted a pensioner. Two men, pretending to be from the waterboard called at the house on Antrim Way at about 9am on Wednesday 2nd April caliming they needed to check the water supply.

POLICE are asking elderly people in Wigan to be on the look-out after two men targeted a pensioner.

Two men, pretending to be from the water board called at the house on Antrim Way at about 9am last Wednesday claiming they needed to check the water supply.

The men did not have any identification, and the 65-year-old man refused to let them in.

The two men left in a white transit with an orange light on the top.

The first man is described as being a white man, about 6ft tall, of stocky build with grey hair and stubble.

He was wearing a high-visibilty jacket and had a distinctive gold ring on his right hand with a pirate skull on it. He also spoke with an Irish accent.

The second man is described as around 25-years-old, about 5ft 4in tall, with skinny build and a gaunt face. He was wearing a brown or beige hat, a high-visibility jacket and blue waterproof trousers with a white stripe down the leg.

Peter Clarke, Neighbourhood Inspector for Pemberton, said: "I would like to praise the homeowner for doing all the right things and not letting these two men in. They were not carrying identification and the homeowner did exactly what we want people to do - do not let anyone into your house unless they can prove who they are.

"Whoever these culprits are, they have no respect for vulnerable people and will stoop to anything just to get their hands on some cash. If they do try it again, I would urge residents to follow this man's example and not let them in because it is very distressing when these cowards invade people's homes and steal their money.

"Members of the public are reminded that access should not be allowed to people unless they have confirmed who they are with their identity card and if they are in any doubt refuse them access and contact police.

"Within minutes of this incident we circulated the information via email to people acting as our eyes and ears in the community. This meant we were able to warn people instantly and these support networks are crucial in stopping this sort of criminality.

"It is not just the potential victims we need to appeal to but to the whole community. It's important that you look out for each other, be good neighbours, and listen to the safety messages we give out."

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.